Vauxhall FE as a daily driver
Discussion
I have just bought a Vauxhall Victor FE 2300S which I intend to use as a daily driver.
I picked the car up yesterday and drove it 180 miles home keeping to the A roads.
After 50 miles the temp gauge packed up (needs a new sender unit) and ½ an hour after it went dark one of the main beams stopped working (needs a new sealed beam unit) and apart from that it needs a new bulb behind the speedo, the car drove really well and the steering and suspension felt great.
I am hoping to give this car regular use and see what everyday classic ownership is like and I will update this post with the results.
I picked the car up yesterday and drove it 180 miles home keeping to the A roads.
After 50 miles the temp gauge packed up (needs a new sender unit) and ½ an hour after it went dark one of the main beams stopped working (needs a new sealed beam unit) and apart from that it needs a new bulb behind the speedo, the car drove really well and the steering and suspension felt great.
I am hoping to give this car regular use and see what everyday classic ownership is like and I will update this post with the results.
So far I have pulled the dash forward and replaced the bulb and fitted 2 new Lucas front light units upgrading to H4 lamps for better lighting and easy bulb changes.
The comprehensive tools required for all this work was a phillips head screwdriver, so now not only will I see where im going at night but I will also know how fast as well
Not too worried about rust at the moment as this car has only do 3500 miles and has been kept like new by it previous 2 owners but rust prevention will be sorted before next winter and I will keep it off the roads if they salt them over the next few weeks.
The big question is have I got the b***ocks to sell my comfy reliable loaded with extras Audi A6 and run this as my main car, I have got use of other vehicles and hope to have my Interceptor on the road in a few months but the plan is the Victor will be my everyday car. Although any long distance driving will probably be in the wifes modern.
The comprehensive tools required for all this work was a phillips head screwdriver, so now not only will I see where im going at night but I will also know how fast as well
Not too worried about rust at the moment as this car has only do 3500 miles and has been kept like new by it previous 2 owners but rust prevention will be sorted before next winter and I will keep it off the roads if they salt them over the next few weeks.
The big question is have I got the b***ocks to sell my comfy reliable loaded with extras Audi A6 and run this as my main car, I have got use of other vehicles and hope to have my Interceptor on the road in a few months but the plan is the Victor will be my everyday car. Although any long distance driving will probably be in the wifes modern.
There are plenty of classic cars in museums I think it's much better to see them on the road and by the time I put a few miles on it I will iron out any problems that long term storage have created.
I will look after it whilst it is being used and as for its future value my modern depreciated by 3K a year so I don't have any worries there.
I didn't see the reports you are talking about so would be interested to be pointed in their direction.
I will look after it whilst it is being used and as for its future value my modern depreciated by 3K a year so I don't have any worries there.
I didn't see the reports you are talking about so would be interested to be pointed in their direction.
Heres some photos taken on my phone just as it was going dark, I hope to get some better shots soon.
The lights should be okay as the main beams pull 4.5A each so with sidelights, rear lights and main beam the total load was under 12A, I will check this when I get a wiring diagram but the wires are plenty big enough.
The lights should be okay as the main beams pull 4.5A each so with sidelights, rear lights and main beam the total load was under 12A, I will check this when I get a wiring diagram but the wires are plenty big enough.
Well ive done it now as I have just sold my modern car with all the comforts and toys built in, I do have use of a van if im stuck but this is now my main vehicle.
It was down to 3 degrees this morning and the car started and ran perfectly on the run into work and I now know the car has absolutely no leaks from underneath (oil & water) and is perfectly dry inside with no condensation building up and im even getting used to the gearbox as I usually drive an auto but this manual requires a bit more getting used to than most.
It was down to 3 degrees this morning and the car started and ran perfectly on the run into work and I now know the car has absolutely no leaks from underneath (oil & water) and is perfectly dry inside with no condensation building up and im even getting used to the gearbox as I usually drive an auto but this manual requires a bit more getting used to than most.
T0nup said:
As long as it's got something in the cavities and on the underside, washed and kept up together there is no reason why it shouldn't stay in good condition if driven daily.
As far as the mechanicals go, it will do it good. And really, what is the point of a car if you can't drive it and enjoy it for what it is?
Like it.
Glad someone likes to see cars used, I' not banger racing or pimping my ride just using it whilst maintaining it. Personally I like to see classic cars being used which is very rare these days. I like to visit classic car museums like many people but we cant hide all the cars away.As far as the mechanicals go, it will do it good. And really, what is the point of a car if you can't drive it and enjoy it for what it is?
Like it.
After 1 week and 300 miles whats it been like using a classic everyday.
I have really enjoyed the last weeks driving, the mileage is very high for me, this being 180 miles to drive the car home and 120 miles for the rest of the week which is still much more than my usual mileage.
The car runs beautifully starting first and every time straight away, I have never stalled the car and it ticks over without choke after a mile even on a cold morning.Given the wet and cold week we have just had the car does not have any leaks and defrosts only slightly slower than a modern car. The traffic is quite heavy where I live and the car copes well and keeps up with everything you just have to watch out for the idiots who try and dive in front of you.
The only things that needed attending to were the failed main beam and speedo bulbs (which did work when I picked the car up), and the faulty temp sender unit turned out to work fine but an airlock was preventing any hot water getting to it (found quickly thanks to an infrared thermometer which are great for checking cooling systems are working well) getting the airlock out took a couple of hours though.
There is nothing needing attending to with this car its the best used car I have ever bought, the dealer who I bought it from had his mechanic go over it and he has been very thorough, the oil is still clean which I was going to change to flush out any crud but will wait a few weeks now. All tyres including spare are new so no problems with old rubber needing changing.
After running an Audi A6 with all the toys what do I miss most, heated seats, full a/c and climate control, Bose audio system, integrated sat nav and phone kit, none of these I miss having a clock but i dont miss wondering which fault light will come on next and which specialist will I have to get to plug it in and tell me it might not be that sensor but thats what the computer says so ive got to change it. Back to simple times where a simple bloke like me can fix his own car
I have really enjoyed the last weeks driving, the mileage is very high for me, this being 180 miles to drive the car home and 120 miles for the rest of the week which is still much more than my usual mileage.
The car runs beautifully starting first and every time straight away, I have never stalled the car and it ticks over without choke after a mile even on a cold morning.Given the wet and cold week we have just had the car does not have any leaks and defrosts only slightly slower than a modern car. The traffic is quite heavy where I live and the car copes well and keeps up with everything you just have to watch out for the idiots who try and dive in front of you.
The only things that needed attending to were the failed main beam and speedo bulbs (which did work when I picked the car up), and the faulty temp sender unit turned out to work fine but an airlock was preventing any hot water getting to it (found quickly thanks to an infrared thermometer which are great for checking cooling systems are working well) getting the airlock out took a couple of hours though.
There is nothing needing attending to with this car its the best used car I have ever bought, the dealer who I bought it from had his mechanic go over it and he has been very thorough, the oil is still clean which I was going to change to flush out any crud but will wait a few weeks now. All tyres including spare are new so no problems with old rubber needing changing.
After running an Audi A6 with all the toys what do I miss most, heated seats, full a/c and climate control, Bose audio system, integrated sat nav and phone kit, none of these I miss having a clock but i dont miss wondering which fault light will come on next and which specialist will I have to get to plug it in and tell me it might not be that sensor but thats what the computer says so ive got to change it. Back to simple times where a simple bloke like me can fix his own car
Loose_Cannon said:
This topic, i.e. taking a rare museum quality old motor and flinging it back into the everyday chaos of modern traffic, seems to be creating a bit of a stir in the classic car world. I suspect the OP is rather enjoying the attention/infamy and no amount of posts will persuade him in any particular direction. There was an excellent resume on Autos
te which sums it up rather well, forgive me for reposting in it's entirety;
c]
Had a look at this and it was quite funny to see a few people getting wound up about something trivial like this, this is about using an old car everyday but with respect to its former life and condition.te which sums it up rather well, forgive me for reposting in it's entirety;c]
Especially liked the comments that see me as some sort of millionaire doing this just to wind them up, in truth I sold my Audi for £500 less than I bought the Vauxhall for, so changing my car after 7 years with a £500 additional payment hardly makes me a millionaire.
Anyway just a quick report to say the car has performed perfectly over the last month with the total repairs being a pair of wiper blades, I have used it everyday but on the very windy night I parked it inside at work and took a van home just in case something was blown into it. Im loving every minute of driving it and took it for a run to Holmfirth with the wife the other weekend for a pub lunch.
I have now added 600 miles to the car and it is all the better for it as a vacuum gauge showed a slight sticking of the valves when I first got it and this is now ok.
Surprisingly (according to some opinions) with all this rain nothing has rusted and fallen off yet, nor is there a stream of mechanical failures.
I gave her a polish as the weather report looked good last week for some photos
Ive now done a 1000 miles and had my first problem since sorting out the few minor niggles when I bought it.
I had noticed a smell of petrol but struggled to trace it until my wife pointed to the mark on our drive where a small drip of petrol has taken the sealant off our drive.
Even with the car up on the ramp I could not trace the leak but the only likely candidate was a 6" piece of flexible fuel hose joining the solid fuel lines near the engine.
Luckily I had some of this in stock along with new hose clamps left over from replacing the fuel lines on my other car. I gave the car a good inspection whilst up on the ramp and adjusted the handbrake cable and gave it a quick oil and filter change for good luck.
The oil and filter had been changed 1000 miles ago when I bought it but for piece of mind I decided to change it again and have a good look at the old oil which looked great. So in the 2 months of using the car every day I have had very few problems considering it had stood unused for many years.
I had noticed a smell of petrol but struggled to trace it until my wife pointed to the mark on our drive where a small drip of petrol has taken the sealant off our drive.
Even with the car up on the ramp I could not trace the leak but the only likely candidate was a 6" piece of flexible fuel hose joining the solid fuel lines near the engine.
Luckily I had some of this in stock along with new hose clamps left over from replacing the fuel lines on my other car. I gave the car a good inspection whilst up on the ramp and adjusted the handbrake cable and gave it a quick oil and filter change for good luck.
The oil and filter had been changed 1000 miles ago when I bought it but for piece of mind I decided to change it again and have a good look at the old oil which looked great. So in the 2 months of using the car every day I have had very few problems considering it had stood unused for many years.
graemel said:
I just showed the missus your piccies on this thread. Gave her a brief resume of the story. She said wouldn't you like to do something like that. Find a time warp vehicle and use it as your daily driver. I applaud you, it must me like reliving the 70's all over again. My old man was mainly a Ford and Vauxhall man. He did stray accasionally. I remember a brand new white Sunbeam Rapier when they first came out in 67. My favourite a Daimler Majestic Major. Blue over Silver. I'm not sure why but at one point he had two VX4/90's, along with a Cresta, a Viscount, a Zodiac and an Executive all at the same time.
If it appeals to you I would say go for it, your wife being behind you is a big help my wife gets what I am doing whereas many people just don't get it.I've lost count of the number of people who are amazed I sold my modern car and didn't keep this as well but that would have defeated the object of this exercise.
I have absolutely no plans to go back to anything built after the 80s but do fancy changing every year or so to experience lots of different cars and if it doesn't cost me any more than the depreciation on a new car I have lost nothing and had some fun along the way. I also think classic car owners should use their cars more so I'm taking a lead here.
Just been for a fresh MOT and the mileage is now 7804 with the previous reading being 3261 so it averaged 88 miles per year over the last 37 years and 4500 this year and the car has run faultlessly with the exception of a new exhaust system.
I will be pulling it off the road over christmas to service and carry out a few preventative maintenance jobs, I will also carry out some additional rustproofing (it cant do any harm).
I have managed to drive classic cars for most of the year with an additional 2500 miles in my weekend classic, but hope that 2015 sees more use of both cars and they will both be on the road throughout the winter although there are less opportunities to pull a weekend car out at this time of year, I need to remove a faulty a/c pump but still cant bring myself to put the car out of action with the holidays looming and the hope of a run out on a brisk sunny day.
I say get your cars out and use them thats what they are for.
I will be pulling it off the road over christmas to service and carry out a few preventative maintenance jobs, I will also carry out some additional rustproofing (it cant do any harm).
I have managed to drive classic cars for most of the year with an additional 2500 miles in my weekend classic, but hope that 2015 sees more use of both cars and they will both be on the road throughout the winter although there are less opportunities to pull a weekend car out at this time of year, I need to remove a faulty a/c pump but still cant bring myself to put the car out of action with the holidays looming and the hope of a run out on a brisk sunny day.
I say get your cars out and use them thats what they are for.
I like to keep my cars fairly original so will take my chances on standard wiring rather than fitting additional relays.
The comments about new electrical components are very true and especially in my experience with Lucas items in nice shiny boxes.
I have suffered from an ignition switch and indicator relay problem with new components this year in my Jensen along with other switches not working from new
and having to be taken apart and copper strips bent to make them work.
I have sourced NOS service items for the Vauxhall which will be fitted over xmas with new cambelt and flexi brake hoses which will be fitted as a preventative measure. I had
intended to keep the car for just a year but cant bear to be parted from it yet so it will get another years use from me.
If I had plenty of storage space and money I would never sell this car but keep it forever, I do have a very strange impulse to run a Princess as a daily though.
The comments about new electrical components are very true and especially in my experience with Lucas items in nice shiny boxes.
I have suffered from an ignition switch and indicator relay problem with new components this year in my Jensen along with other switches not working from new
and having to be taken apart and copper strips bent to make them work.
I have sourced NOS service items for the Vauxhall which will be fitted over xmas with new cambelt and flexi brake hoses which will be fitted as a preventative measure. I had
intended to keep the car for just a year but cant bear to be parted from it yet so it will get another years use from me.
If I had plenty of storage space and money I would never sell this car but keep it forever, I do have a very strange impulse to run a Princess as a daily though.
The thing with all classic cars is they are flawed in many areas and can be modified and updated to a better and more reliable spec. But I like to drive a classic as it was and will put up with points ignition, volt drop at lights poor MPG and everything else. This car has a useless ratio 4 speed gearbox for daily driving but I have no intention of changing it as that is part of the original design.
Each to there own but for me to start making everything better than when it left the factory is sacrilege unless it was a design problem that made it dangerous or totally unreliable otherwise I may as well sell it and buy another new car.
Each to there own but for me to start making everything better than when it left the factory is sacrilege unless it was a design problem that made it dangerous or totally unreliable otherwise I may as well sell it and buy another new car.
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